U.S. patent number 11,261,114 [Application Number 15/215,928] was granted by the patent office on 2022-03-01 for aerobic treatment system.
The grantee listed for this patent is Michael Broeker, David DeChristofaro, Thomas A. Joseph, III, Berry L. Meadows. Invention is credited to Michael Broeker, David DeChristofaro, Thomas A. Joseph, III, Berry L. Meadows.
United States Patent |
11,261,114 |
DeChristofaro , et
al. |
March 1, 2022 |
Aerobic treatment system
Abstract
An aerobic treatment system is disclosed herein in which an
aerobic holding treatment tank, having an inlet adapted to receive
wastewater and an outlet adapted to discharge treated wastewater
therefrom, is in communication with an aeration pump having an
inlet nozzle in communication with the aerobic holding treatment
tank for providing a source of air to the contents of the aerobic
holding treatment tank. The aerobic treatment system may further
include a generation pump disposed below ground level and in fluid
communication with the aerobic holding treatment tank. The
generation pump is provided in fluid communication with a high
pressure pump in fluid access with an evaporator fan and misting
nozzle. The system may further include electronics to connect to
grid power, backup electronics for connection to auxiliary power
sources, and at least one solar collector for providing a source of
electricity.
Inventors: |
DeChristofaro; David (Niles,
OH), Broeker; Michael (Pittsburgh, PA), Meadows; Berry
L. (Warren, OH), Joseph, III; Thomas A. (Pittsburgh,
PA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DeChristofaro; David
Broeker; Michael
Meadows; Berry L.
Joseph, III; Thomas A. |
Niles
Pittsburgh
Warren
Pittsburgh |
OH
PA
OH
PA |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Family
ID: |
57836596 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/215,928 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2016 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20170022080 A1 |
Jan 26, 2017 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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62194956 |
Jul 21, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D
1/20 (20130101); B01D 21/02 (20130101); C02F
9/00 (20130101); B01D 1/0064 (20130101); C02F
1/048 (20130101); C02F 1/12 (20130101); C02F
1/004 (20130101); C02F 1/32 (20130101); Y02W
10/37 (20150501); Y02W 10/10 (20150501); C02F
2201/009 (20130101); C02F 3/02 (20130101); Y02A
20/212 (20180101); C02F 2203/002 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
C02F
9/00 (20060101); C02F 1/00 (20060101); C02F
3/02 (20060101); C02F 1/04 (20060101); B01D
21/02 (20060101); B01D 1/20 (20060101); B01D
1/00 (20060101); C02F 1/12 (20060101); C02F
1/32 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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29620639 |
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Jan 1997 |
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DE |
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29521272 |
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Feb 1997 |
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DE |
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202004003380 |
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Jul 2004 |
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DE |
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102004025189 |
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Feb 2005 |
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DE |
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536920 |
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May 1922 |
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FR |
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1016406 |
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Nov 1952 |
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FR |
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10504998 |
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May 1998 |
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JP |
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2004160301 |
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Jun 2004 |
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JP |
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Other References
US. Pat. No. 734,486, issued Jul. 21, 1903 to Wilson. cited by
applicant .
U.S. Pat. No. 744,367, issued Nov. 17, 1903 to De Lautreppe. cited
by applicant .
U.S. Pat. No. 313,163 issued March 3, 1885 to Berry. cited by
applicant .
Boyle, Rebecca, "What Comes After Hubble?", Popular Science, May 6,
2009. Available online at:
https://www.popsci.com/military-aviation-amp-space/article/2009-05/what-c-
omes-after-hubble. cited by applicant .
"Mylar Bags", Sorbentsystems, Dec. 21, 2007 (date obtained from
wayback machine). Available online at
https://www.sorbentsystems.com/mylar.html. cited by applicant .
"What is mylar", Sorbentsystems. Available online at:
https://www.sorbentsystems.com/mylarinfo.html. cited by applicant
.
Fedkin et al. "2.4 Concentration with a Parabolic Reflector",
PennState. Available online at:
https://www.e-education.psu.edu/eme812/node/557. cited by applicant
.
U.S. Pat. No. 687,262 issued Nov. 26, 1901 to Powers. cited by
applicant .
U.S. Pat. No. 509,282 issued Nov. 21, 1893 to Beck. cited by
applicant .
U.S. Appl. No. 61/244,314. cited by applicant .
U.S. Appl. No. 61/363,877. cited by applicant .
U.S. Appl. No. 62/194,956. cited by applicant .
U.S. Appl. No. 62/139,991. cited by applicant .
U.S. Appl. No. 62/139,986. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Peo; Jonathan M
Attorney, Agent or Firm: The Webb Law Firm
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 62/194,956, entitled "Solar Septic Treatment
System", and filed Jul. 21, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A wastewater treatment system, comprising: a waste holding tank,
having an inlet for receiving a waste stream, and an outlet for
directing a fraction of the waste stream from the waste holding
tank; a waste stream purification device having an inlet for
receiving the fraction of the waste stream from the waste holding
tank; an exposed elevated evaporation module provided above ground
and comprising at least one fan and at least one fluid directing
nozzle adjacent the at least one fan, wherein the at least one
fluid directing nozzle is provided above the at least one fan,
wherein the at least one fan and the at least one fluid directing
nozzle are elevated above the waste holding tank, and wherein the
at least one fan and the at least one fluid directing nozzle of the
exposed elevated evaporation module are raised above the ground
from about 6 feet to about 30 feet; a ground based module including
a pressure pump, the pressure pump having an inlet provided in
fluid communication with an outlet of the waste stream purification
device for directing a purified treated water stream from the waste
stream to the exposed elevated evaporation module; and a generation
pump receiving the outlet of the waste stream purification device,
wherein the outlet of the waste holding tank directs the fraction
of the waste stream in a first direction, wherein the exposed
elevated evaporation module is positioned above the ground based
module such that the purified treated water stream exits the ground
based module in a second direction substantially perpendicular to
the first direction, wherein the at least one fluid directing
nozzle is configured for directing the purified treated water
stream from the waste stream purification device and pumped by the
pressure pump to the at least one fan, and wherein the at least one
fan and the at least one fluid directing nozzle are configured to
form a mist from the purified treated water stream.
2. The wastewater treatment system of claim 1, wherein the waste
holding tank comprises a primary settling tank and a secondary
settling tank.
3. The wastewater treatment system of claim 1, wherein the waste
holding tank comprises a primary settling region and a secondary
settling region.
4. The wastewater treatment system of claim 1, wherein the waste
stream purification device comprises a secondary clarifier in fluid
communication with the outlet of the waste holding tank.
5. The wastewater treatment system of claim 4, wherein the
generation pump is in fluid communication with at least one of the
outlet of the waste holding tank and an outlet of the secondary
clarifier, the generation pump having an outlet in fluid
communication with the inlet of the pressure pump.
6. The wastewater treatment system of claim 1, wherein the waste
stream purification device comprises a UV disinfection device.
7. The wastewater treatment system of claim 6, wherein an effluent
from at least one of a secondary clarifier and the outlet of the
waste holding tank is directed through the UV disinfection device,
the UV disinfection device having an outlet in fluid communication
with the inlet of the pressure pump.
8. The wastewater treatment system of claim 1, wherein the waste
stream purification device comprises a fine particulate filter.
9. The wastewater treatment system of claim 8, wherein an effluent
from at least one of a secondary clarifier, the outlet of the waste
holding tank, the generation pump, and an outlet of a UV
disinfection device is directed through the fine particulate
filter, the fine particulate filter having an outlet in fluid
communication with the inlet of the pressure pump.
10. The wastewater treatment system of claim 1, further comprising
at least one solar collector provided in electrical communication
with at least one of the pressure pump and the exposed elevated
evaporation module for providing a source of power thereto.
11. The wastewater treatment system of claim 1, wherein the mist
comprises water droplets having a diameter of between 50 .mu.m and
250 .mu.m.
12. The wastewater treatment system of claim 1, wherein the ground
based module is above ground level.
13. A wastewater treatment system, comprising: a waste holding
tank, having an inlet for receiving a waste stream, and an outlet
for directing a fraction of the waste stream from the waste holding
tank; a secondary clarifier in fluid communication with the outlet
of the waste holding tank, the secondary clarifier having an
outlet; a generation pump in fluid communication with the outlet of
the secondary clarifier, the generation pump having an outlet; an
exposed elevated evaporation module provided above ground and
comprising at least one fan and at least one fluid directing nozzle
adjacent the at least one fan, wherein the at least one fluid
directing nozzle is provided above the at least one fan, wherein
the at least one fan and the at least one fluid directing nozzle
are elevated above the waste holding tank, and wherein the at least
one fan and the at least one fluid directing nozzle of the exposed
elevated evaporation module are raised above the ground from about
6 feet to about 30 feet; and a ground based module including a
pressure pump, the pressure pump having an inlet provided in fluid
communication with the outlet of the generation pump for directing
a purified treated water stream from the waste stream to the
exposed elevated evaporation module, wherein the outlet of the
waste holding tank directs the fraction of the waste stream in a
first direction, wherein the exposed elevated evaporation module is
positioned above the ground based module such that the purified
treated water stream exits the ground based module in a second
direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction,
wherein the at least one fluid directing nozzle is configured for
directing the purified treated water stream from a waste stream
purification device and pumped by the pressure pump to the at least
one fan, and wherein the at least one fan and the at least one
fluid directing nozzle are configured to form a mist from the
purified treated water stream.
14. The wastewater treatment system of claim 13, further comprising
a UV disinfection device, wherein an effluent from the generation
pump is directed through the UV disinfection device, the UV
disinfection device having an outlet in fluid communication with
the inlet of the pressure pump.
15. The wastewater treatment system of claim 13, further comprising
a fine particulate filter, wherein an effluent from the generation
pump is directed through the fine particulate filter, the fine
particulate filter having an outlet in fluid communication with the
inlet of the pressure pump.
16. The wastewater treatment system of claim 13, wherein the mist
comprises water droplets having a diameter of between 50 .mu.m and
250 .mu.m.
17. A wastewater treatment system, comprising: a waste holding
tank, having an inlet for receiving a waste stream, and an outlet
for directing a fraction of the waste stream from the waste holding
tank; a waste stream purification device having an inlet for
receiving the fraction of the waste stream from the waste holding
tank; an exposed elevated evaporation module provided above ground
and comprising at least one fan and at least one fluid directing
nozzle adjacent the at least one fan, wherein the at least one
fluid directing nozzle is provided above the at least one fan,
wherein the at least one fan and the at least one fluid directing
nozzle are elevated above the waste holding tank, and wherein the
at least one fan and the at least one fluid directing nozzle of the
exposed elevated evaporation module are raised above the ground
from about 6 feet to about 30 feet; a ground based module being
above ground level and including a pressure pump, the pressure pump
having an inlet provided in fluid communication with an outlet of
the waste stream purification device for directing a purified
treated water stream from the waste stream to the exposed elevated
evaporation module; and a generation pump receiving the outlet of
the waste stream purification device, wherein the at least one
fluid directing nozzle is configured for directing the purified
treated water stream from the waste stream purification device and
pumped by the pressure pump to the at least one fan, and wherein
the at least one fan and the at least one fluid directing nozzle
are configured to form a mist from the purified treated water
stream.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to aerobic treatment systems and,
more particularly, is directed to a septic treatment system that
utilizes evaporation to reduce and/or eliminate the need for soil
absorption.
Description of Related Art
Septic systems and aerobic treatment systems have been
conventionally used to treat wastewater in geographic areas in
which a centralized sewage system is prohibitive or not
cost-effective. In many instances, conventional septic systems may
not be suitable for use in areas in which insufficient land is
available to provide for proper leech fields, or in areas in which
the soil conditions are inappropriate to provide the necessary
retention times and drainage. In some communities, the water table
is too high to allow the leech field adequate treatment processing
time before the wastewater encounters the resident groundwater.
In areas in which septic systems are inappropriate for use, aerobic
treatment units may be used to treat wastewater. Unlike
conventional septic systems which utilize anaerobic treatment zones
and soil absorption methodologies, aerobic treatment systems
involve aerobic treatment zones which are driven by introduction of
additive oxygen. Bacteria which thrive in oxygen-rich environments
break down wastewater constituents within a holding tank into which
air or oxygen is introduced. In certain cases, the wastewater may
be subject to a pretreatment before it enters the aerobic holding
treatment tank, and the treated wastewater exiting the aerobic
holding tank may also be subject to additional post-treatment
processing and disinfectant before it is discharged to the
environment.
The addition of oxygen to the aerobic holding treatment tank is
accomplished by a mechanism which injects and circulates air within
a treatment tank. Because most aerobic holding treatment tanks are
buried below ground-level the air must be forced into the aeration
chamber by an injection blower, or be drawn into the aeration
chamber by rotational Venturi. The injection and circulation of air
is driven by electricity, and the generation of such electricity
typically adds to the operational costs of aerobic treatment
systems, including additional maintenance expenses.
Accordingly, a need exists for a wastewater treatment system in
which the operational costs of an aerobic treatment system are
reduced.
In addition, before wastewater leaving conventional aerobic holding
treatment tanks can be properly returned to the environment, the
wastewater may require a final clarifying treatment or
disinfection. Methods for clarifying treatment include filters,
drainage fields and/or evapotranspiration beds. Sand filters can be
used as a final clarifying treatment process in which the exiting
wastewater is pumped over layers of sand, gravel or other filters
which help further purify the wastewater. Other types of filters
can be used as well. Drainage fields utilize bacteria resident in
the surrounding soil to further purify the wastewater. In use, both
filters and drainage fields require significant space and can
become clogged with residual components of the wastewater exiting
the aerobic holding treatment tank, thereby reducing efficiency.
Evapotranspiration beds utilize natural vegetation and evaporation
to finally clarify effluent wastewater. Evapotranspiration beds are
less commonly used in final clarifying treatment as they are
expensive to maintain and require significant retention times to be
effective. Each of these identified final clarifying treatment
processes require physical land requirements and additional land
application to achieve sufficient water cleanness prior to
discharge to groundwater.
A further need exists for a wastewater treatment system in which
the post-treatment processing is easily managed, requires minimal
land application, and is cost-effective.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a
wastewater treatment system includes a waste holding tank, having
an inlet for receiving a waste stream, and an outlet for directing
a fraction of the waste stream from the waste holding tank. The
system also includes a waste stream purification device having an
inlet for receiving the fraction of the waste stream from the waste
holding tank. The system further includes a pressure pump having an
inlet provided in fluid communication with the outlet of the waste
stream purification device for directing a purified water stream to
an elevated evaporation module. The elevated evaporation module
includes at least one fan and at least one fluid directing nozzle
adjacent the fan, the at least one fluid directing nozzle
configured for directing the purified water stream from the waste
stream purification device and pumped by the pressure pump to the
at least one fan. The at least one fan and the at least one nozzle
are configured to form a mist from the purified water stream.
In certain configurations, the waste holding tank includes a
primary settling tank and a secondary settling tank. Alternatively,
the waste holding tank may include a primary settling region and a
secondary settling region.
The waste stream purification device may include a secondary
clarifier in fluid communication with the outlet of the waste
holding tank. A generation pump may also be provided in fluid
communication with at least one of the outlet of the waste holding
tank and an outlet of the secondary clarifier, the generation pump
having an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet of the
pressure pump.
In certain configurations, the waste stream purification device may
include a UV disinfection device. An effluent from at least one of
a secondary clarifier and the outlet of the waste holding tank may
be directed through the UV disinfection device, and the UV
disinfection device may have an outlet in fluid communication with
the inlet of the pressure pump.
In other configurations, the waste stream purification device may
include a fine particulate filter. An effluent from at least one of
a secondary clarifier, the outlet of the waste holding tank, a
generation pump, and an outlet of the UV disinfection device may be
directed through the fine particulate filter, and the fine
particulate filter may have an outlet in fluid communication with
the inlet of the pressure pump.
Optionally, at least one solar collector 50 may be provided in
electrical communication with at least one of the pressure pump and
the elevated evaporation module for providing a source of power
thereto. The elevated evaporation module may be raised above a
ground level from about 6 to about 30 feet.
In certain configurations, the at least one nozzle is provided
above the at least one fan. In other configurations, the mist is
made of water droplets having a diameter of between 50 .mu.m and
250 .mu.m.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a
wastewater treatment system includes a waste holding tank, having
an inlet for receiving a waste stream, and an outlet for directing
a fraction of the waste stream from the waste holding tank. The
system also includes a secondary clarifier in fluid communication
with the outlet of the waste holding tank, with the secondary
clarifier having an outlet. The system also includes a generation
pump in fluid communication with the outlet of the secondary
clarifier, with the generation pump having an outlet. The system
further includes a pressure pump having an inlet provided in fluid
communication with the outlet of the generation pump for directing
a purified water stream to an elevated evaporation module. The
elevated evaporation module includes at least one fan and at least
one fluid directing nozzle adjacent the fan. The at least one fluid
directing nozzle is configured for directing the purified water
stream from the waste stream purification device and pumped by the
pressure pump to the at least one fan, and the at least one fan and
the at least one nozzle are configured to form a mist from the
purified water stream.
In certain configurations, the system also includes a UV
disinfection device, wherein an effluent from the generation pump
is directed through the UV disinfection device, and the UV
disinfection device has an outlet in fluid communication with the
inlet of the pressure pump.
In other configurations, the system also includes a fine
particulate filter, wherein an effluent from the generation pump is
directed through the fine particulate filter, and the fine
particulate filter has an outlet in fluid communication with the
inlet of the pressure pump.
The elevated evaporation module may be raised above a ground level
from about 6 to about 30 feet. The at least one nozzle may
optionally be provided above the at least one fan, and the mist may
be formed of water droplets having a diameter of between 50 .mu.m
and 250 .mu.m.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is an aerobic treatment system in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "upper",
"lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top",
"bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal", and derivatives thereof shall
relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures.
However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume
various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to
the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices
illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the
following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the
invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not
to be considered as limiting.
Referring to FIG. 1, wastewater from a commercial or residential
source may enter an inlet 10 of an aerobic holding treatment tank
12. Aerobic holding treatment tank 12 may be disposed below
ground-level and can have any appropriate volume sufficient to
accommodate the inlet load. In certain configurations, the aerobic
holding treatment tank 12 may be a two tank configuration including
a primary settling tank 12A, for gravitational settling of large
solids, and a secondary settling tank 12B, for gravitational
settling of lighter fractions of wastewater. In other
configurations, the aerobic holding treatment tank 12 may be a
single tank configuration having both a primary settling region and
a secondary settling region. The aerobic treatment holding tank 12,
and/or primary settling tank 12A and/or secondary settling tank
12B, may include an inlet baffle 14 provided adjacent the inlet 10
for enabling separation of the inlet wastewater into a scum and
grease component having a lighter density, and a sludge component
having a greater density. The aerobic holding treatment tank 12,
and/or primary settling tank 12A and/or secondary settling tank
12B, may include a settling region in which suspended solids may be
reduced by gravitational settling. The aerobic holding treatment
tank 12, and/or primary settling tank 12A and/or secondary settling
tank 12B, also includes at least one aerator 11 for introducing air
thereto. Aerobic treatment holding tank 12, and/or primary settling
tank 12A and/or secondary settling tank 12B, also includes an
outlet 16 structured to remove at least a component of the resident
wastewater, such as a fraction primarily constituting the sludge
component. An optional access port 18 may be provided between the
inlet 10 and the outlet 16. In one configuration, the retention
time of the aerobic holding treatment tank 12, or the collective
retention time of the primary settling tank 12A and secondary
settling tank 12B, is approximately 24 hours for a 500 gallon tank
volume.
In certain configurations, the outlet 16 of the aerobic holding
treatment tank 12, in the single tank or two tank configuration,
may be provided in fluid communication with a waste stream
purification device, such as a secondary clarifier 20, a UV
disinfection device 36, and/or a fine particulate filter 38, as
will be described herein. In one embodiment, the secondary
clarifier 20 may be a conventional sand filter, wet submersible
filter, and/or a discharge field. The secondary clarifier 20 may be
provided adjacent the aerobic holding treatment tank 12, such that
fluid exiting the aerobic holding treatment tank 12 passes into the
secondary clarifier 20, which may, in certain configurations, be
disposed below ground level.
The secondary clarifier 20 may include an outlet 22 in fluid
communication with a generation pump 24. The generation pump 24 may
be provided adjacent the secondary clarifier 20 and/or the aerobic
holding treatment tank 12. In one configuration, the generation
pump 24 receives the outlet of the secondary clarifier 20. In an
alternative configuration, the generation pump 24 receives the
outlet of the aerobic holding treatment tank 12. The generation
pump 24 may include a holding tank having a reserve volume, such
reserve volume being large enough to allow for asynchronous
evaporation and filtration. In one configuration, the reserve
volume may be 275 gallons.
The generation pump 24 includes an outlet and may be provided in a
ground-based module 26 provided at or slightly above ground level.
The generation pump 24 may be a high pressure pump, or is provided
in fluid communication with a high pressure pump 28 also provided
in the ground-based module 26, for providing the effluent
wastewater to one or more evaporator misting nozzles 62 provided in
an elevated evaporation module 34.
In one configuration, the ground-based module 26 further includes a
UV disinfection device 36 through which effluent from at least one
of the secondary clarifier 20, or the outlet 16 of the aerobic
holding treatment tank 12, is directed to further eliminate and
destroy pathogens present in the fluid stream. In one
configuration, the wastewater effluent passes through the UV
disinfection device 36 prior to being introduced into the high
pressure pump 28. UV treated fluid passes from the UV disinfection
device outlet in fluid communication to the inlet of the high
pressure pump 28.
The ground-based module 26 may also include a fine particulate
filter 38 provided in fluid communication with the high pressure
pump 28. The fine particulate filter 38 may be a 1-30 .mu.m filter,
and in one embodiment, may be a 1 .mu.m filter. In one
configuration, effluent from the generation pump 24 may be directed
through the fine particulate filter 38 prior to passing through the
high pressure pump 28. In one embodiment, effluent from at least
one of the secondary clarifier 20, the outlet of the aerobic
treatment tank 12, and the outlet of the UV disinfection device 36
is directed through the fine particulate filter 38 having an outlet
in fluid communication with the inlet of the high pressure pump
28.
In addition, the ground-based module 26 may also include a flow
meter 40 in fluid communication with any of the components defined
within the ground-based module 26, including the UV disinfection
device 36, the fine particulate filter 38, and the high pressure
pump 28, for measuring the output flow volume of the components.
The ground-based module 26 may also include inverter electronics 42
and/or back-up power electronics such that the entire system can be
powered by standard grid-generated power and/or auxiliary power
sources. The ground-based module 26 may also be insulated to guard
against heat loss, and may be anchored or ballasted with respect to
the ground. In a further configuration, the ground-based module 26
may include an insulating jacket or wrap thereover. In a further
configuration, the fluid communication plumbing extending between
the generation pump 24 and the high pressure pump 28, can include
an insulating jacket or wrap thereover. The insulating wrap may be
electrically heated to insure proper water communication in a wide
range of climate conditions, including freezing temperatures. In a
further configuration, the fluid communication plumbing extending
from the generation pump 24 to the evaporator nozzles 62 can
include an insulating jacket or wrap thereover.
At least one solar collector 50, such as a plurality of solar
collectors 50, may be provided in electrical communication with the
ground-based module 26 to power the entire system.
The elevated evaporation module 34 may be provided in fluid
communication with the ground-based module 26, including the
generation pump 24, the high pressure pump 28, and any finishing
stage purifiers, including the UV disinfection device 36 and the
fine particulate filter 38. The high pressure pump 28 is configured
to drive the purified component of the wastewater processed through
the aerobic holding treatment tank 12, secondary clarifier 20, and
the UV disinfection device 36, and/or fine particulate filter 38 of
the ground-based module 26 to the elevated evaporation module 34,
for distribution of the purified component through the air.
The elevated evaporation module 34 may include a fan 60, or a
series of fans, having a range of air flow. The elevated
evaporation module 34 may also include a nozzle 62, or a series of
nozzles positioned adjacent the fan 60, or series of fans. The
nozzles 62 direct the purified water stream from the waste stream
purification device(s) and pumped by the high pressure pump 28 to
the at least one fan 60. In one configuration, a nozzle 62 is
provided adjacent each fan 60. In another configuration, a nozzle
62 is provided above each fan 60. In a further configuration, a
plurality of nozzles 62 are provided adjacent each fan 60.
The speed of the fans 60 and the volume of purified water exiting
the nozzles 62 can be controlled to allow for maximum water
evaporation, by creating a mist and minimizing water vapor falling
to the ground, over a broad range of weather conditions. By
increasing the ratio of air flow, provided by the fan 60 or series
of fans 60, to water droplets delivered by the nozzles 62, by a
factor of up to ten times that of conventional evaporating systems,
the evaporation rate of the water droplets is increased to allow
all or nearly all of the water droplets to evaporate into the air
stream. To increase the air flow to water droplet ratio, the fan 60
or series of fans 60 are positioned with the series of nozzles 62
above the fan 60 or series of fans 60 to maximize the entrainment
of the ambient air into an air cone created by fan 60.
In one embodiment, the elevated evaporation module 34 may be raised
from 6-30 feet above the surface of the ground, such as 15-20 feet,
such as 8-10 feet above the ground. Optionally, the elevated
evaporation module 34 may be roof-top mounted.
The elevated evaporation module, in one example, also optimizes the
diameter of the water droplets using nozzles designed to form 100
.mu.m diameter water droplets. These nozzles 62 may have an output
water droplet diameter range of between 50-250 .mu.m in a bell
curve distribution with over 50% of the water droplets falling
outside of the ideal water droplet diameter range within that
distribution. Through careful control of the feed pressure from the
high pressure pump 28, the bell curve of the water droplet diameter
is tightened to force all water droplet diameters to fall within
the ideal water droplet size range allowing for maximum
evaporation.
The elevated evaporation module 34, in one example, also
continuously spreads the water and airflow so that water droplet
collision is reduced. By reducing collisions, the water droplets
maintain uniformity of size, allowing for more thorough
evaporation.
The output volume of water to be evaporated from the system is
intended to meet the flow requirements of the particular
application, meeting and/or exceeding current EPA NPDES water
quality guidelines.
* * * * *
References